What is an FAGD?

An FAGD is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is an organization of general dentists who are dedicated to professional development and continuing education. It is the only professional association that exclusively serves the interests and needs of general dentists, and the FAGD is one of the few added distinctions that a general dentist can achieve. Only a small portion of general dentists (approximately 5%, or an average of four to five per state, per year) have achieved it. This means that, when you meet a dentist who has achieved this distinction, you can have confidence that they are dedicated to providing the finest dental care.

Why is a Fellowship Important?

To earn an FAGD, general dentists must take more than 500 hours of education courses in various disciplines and pass a rigorous exam. This extra study ensures that a dentist who has received his or her Fellowship can offer patients cutting-edge, high-quality care.

A general dentist who has earned an FAGD has been recognized by their peers as a leader and an example for others of the importance of quality continuing dental education to patient care. Fellows and another designation known as a Master serve as mentors and leaders for other dentists pursuing continuing dental education.

How is a Fellowship Earned?

In addition to the 500 hours of approved continuing education (CE) and passing the AGD Fellowship Exam, a dentist seeking an FAGD must:

Maintain current AGD member status for three continuous years

Have a current and active dental license in good standing

Attend the AGD Convocation Ceremony

What Does an FAGD Mean for My Family?

Dentists who have earned an FAGD continue to educate themselves in the latest practices and developments in dentistry. This allows them to provide the highest quality of dental care to their patients. The award embodies the professional responsibility of general dentists to stay updated in their profession and reminds each member of the profession to continue to learn new techniques. As the award is challenging to obtain, patients of dentists who have earned an FAGD should have confidence in their doctor’s dedication to their profession and the patients in their care.